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DEEP DIVER DIGS DEEP, WINS SHANTIDAS ASKURAN TROPHY

By Mahendra Mallya | 03 Dec 2015 | MUMBAI


Deep Diver (DK Ashish Up), winner of The Shantidas Askuran Trophy

Thursday’s races were punctuated with mourning and condolences pouring in over the sad news of Dr MAM Ramaswamy’s passing away. The entire racing fraternity had felt the shock and Chairman ZS Poonawalla making a brief speech on the void that the racing industry would feel.

The racing action however, was business as usual, with numerous patrons, officials and professionals wearing the black band; a minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect to the departed soul.

Favourites and non favourites shared the day’s honours though the feature race was claimed by 15-1 shot Deep Diver (Glory of Dancer – Inventive, Nanoli Stud) warding off a stiff challenge that came from another outsider Incentio. The Waheed trained five year old looked fit as a fiddle in the paddock and looked well-tuned to the task.

Ravello set off at a good pace with the rest of the field huddled close together, only Incentio detached last missing on a quick start. However, once Ravello was asked for an effort, he just couldn’t step it up. Deep Diver soon took over the lead with Merchantofvenice breathing down his neck. This pair battled hard, but Deep Diver looked in charge. Star skirted between horses, but could never really worry Deep Diver. Incentio arrived with a fast gallop in the final 150 and finished on fastest to run Deep Diver close. The one who suffered the luck of the race, rather lack of it was the well-backed Arizona Sun. He was stuck between horses and Zervan could never ride him out and do justice simply due to the lack of clear passage. He got himself in a hopeless position and this run is best ignored.

B Fifty Two (Phoenix Tower- Baileys on Line, Manjri Stud) made his large number of supporters smile displaying a superbly timed run, improving gradually and dealing the final blow in a clinic fashion. While Imperial Princess led them into the straight, B Fifty Two improved positions and was in striking position in all readiness as they entered the straight. Within strides B Fifty Two collared the leader and before anyone could make their moves, B Fifty Two bounded forward with Sandesh in the saddle and romped away to a facile victory. Cha Cha Cha followed the winner home.

Pesi Shroff trained Khayyam (Arazan – Yomalo, Villoo’s Greenfield Stud) made a dazzling debut ensuring he did not have to chase any horse for his first win. He took off at a good clip and had led comfortably with favourite Natural Gift on his tail. Velvet Amari and the others were too far behind and never made an impact at any stage.

Into the straight, Khayyam accelerated well and even as Natural Gift got a touch closer, Khayaam began to leave him behind a stretch out away from his only challenger. It was a no contest in the final furlong and Khayyam showed a clean pair of heels to make an impressive debut.  Natural Gift may have needed this run, he showed a bit of spark but found the winner too good. Dancing Pretty arrived with a late dash to pip Velvet Amari for the place money.

Shroff struck again with Chef D’oeuvre (Iffraaj – Aliwiyya, Equus Stud) with a blazing finish. Allee Bleue led until well into the straight with Frankest travelling in check and looking on course to oblige. Chef D’Oeuvre had Neeraj niggling along even as Frankest was still on tight rein. However, Frankest showed his limitation once he was alerted and could not quicken as expected. Chef D’Oeuvre on the other hand zipped up in the final 100 to draw away from them all and register her maiden success with an electrifying finish. Aeolus Maximums improved late to beat Frankest for the runner-up berth.

Kayla (Tariq – Ciao Bella, Equus Stud) galloped her heart out to pip on-money favourite Verbier on the post.  Verbier had taken up the running from the fading away Danse Debonaire early in the straight and was galloping well towards the winning post. Kayla warmed up late, but was covering round briskly cutting off Verbier’s lead with each stride. They battled hard in the final furlong and Kayla went for broke in the last 50 m and managed to push her nose in front in the nick of time.

Another Ace (Ace – Lady Moura, Exhilaration Stud) however, managed to ward off her challengers and return triumphant in a sizzling close finish. The Dallas Todywalla trainee got past early leader Pretty in Patpong soon on straightening up and had a long straight to sustain. Jockey Sandesh kept her going even as pressure was mounting from Top Wizard lurking close behind and second attack was launched when Acker Bilk threatened to steal the show. This trio was abreast with less than 100 to go, but Another Ace held her ground with a determined show to wriggle out of the tight spot and score her maiden victory under a tough challenge. Acker Bilk finished close ahead of Top Wizard in the final standing.

Malesh Narredu trained Be Cautious (Moss Vale – Key to Luck, Sans Craintes Stud) was perhaps the one who won the cleanest in the day. She got off to a quick alert start and capitalized brilliantly once they turned for home. It took her split seconds to get into top gear and then she started stretching out nicely to leave them all huffing n puffing behind. She notched up a solid margin and on a tight rein at that! She surely comes as a good one and should win again. Yash Narredu just guided her and let her do her own thing which was indeed the obvious thing to do. Aamerican Agatta ran on to finish one behind the winner, while Moroccan stayed in the game to earn the place money.

The concluding race of the day was another thriller with the leading changing hands rapidly especially in the homestretch. When favourite Hirohama took charge inside the final two furlongs, it looked like she would stay the course. Clouds of glory was fighting hard to stay in contention and Abbey was showing his presence too. The focus suddenly shifted when Naumee began to gain ground. However, Nascar (Phoenix Tower - Starlit Princess, Manjri Stud) arrived with a blaze to down them all and take the race in a breathtaking fashion from the widest out.

For the professionals, trainers Pesi Shroff and Imtiaz Sait recorded a double each, while jockey Sandesh was the lone jockey to do so.